Office of the Historian

795.00/4–352: Telegram

The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief Far East (Ridgway)1

top secret
flash
Washington, April 27, 1952—12:01 p.m.

JCS 907378. From JCS. Urmsg C 67640.2 Based upon UNC Del comment in Para 12 B HNC 11823 understanding here was decision as to form of plenary to be proposed was being held in abeyance until immediately [Page 179] preceding opening session plenary. Also view here was that since dispatch of JCS 9069234 desirability of proposing executive sessions plenary had increased for reasons set forth in detail below, and therefore JCS 9073475 was dispatched to give you full benefit of latest thinking here. Although most careful consideration has been given points made in your C 67640 view here is that advantages of at least proposing executive sessions of plenary dels are overriding.

We realize that likelihood of Communists acceptance of package proposal under either procedure is questionable at best. However, we feel any chance Communist acceptance our minimum terms as contained in package proposal is enhanced by presentation in executive session.

If Communists accept executive session and breach understanding in attempt gain initial propaganda advantage we feel this places on them clear onus for failure to reach agreement and would in effect improve our propaganda position. If Communists refuse proposal for executive sessions, thus rejecting another clear effort by UNC to prevent negotiations falling into propaganda morass, Communists incur serious additional onus. This will facilitate important objective of maintaining allied unity and support for positions taken in package proposal as well as continued support US Govt policies in event negotiations are suspended or broken off by Communists.

Therefore, we desire you instruct UNC Del to proceed as directed by you in CX 67613.6 If Communists reject proposal for executive sessions, you are authorized to drop proposal, and to proceed at once in open session with action as planned and approved prior to receipt of JCS 907347. Consider it highly important begin plenary session soonest, if possible on morning April 28 your time.

  1. This telegram was drafted by U. Alexis Johnson and Major Dwan and approved at a 10:30 meeting at the Pentagon attended by Bradley, Bolte, Jenkins, Eddleman, Dwan, and for the Department of State by Allison, Bohlen, and Johnson. Bolte had secured the approval of the other Chiefs of Staff prior to the meeting. Bradley then cleared the message with Lovett and Truman. (Memorandum for the Secretary of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Apr. 29, 1952, JCS Records, CCS 383.21 Korea)↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. This telegram is not printed; it included the substance of the record of the Staff Officers meeting on item 4 of Apr. 24 as well as comments by the UNC Delegation (FE files, lot 55 D 128, tab 38).↩
  4. Dated Apr. 22, p. 166.↩
  5. Not printed, but see footnote 1, supra.↩
  6. This telegram, dated Apr. 26, 1952, is not printed; in it Ridgway instructed Joy to introduce the package proposal in executive session (795.00/4–352).↩